$BTC
Bitcoin ($BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by an anonymous person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network using blockchain technology. Bitcoin eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks, allowing users to transfer value securely and transparently. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger. The total supply is capped at 21 million coins, making it a scarce asset. Bitcoin is widely used for investment, online purchases, and as a hedge against inflation. Despite price volatility, it remains the leading cryptocurrency, influencing the broader digital asset market and shaping the future of decentralized finance (DeFi).